MDF Magazine Issue 72 December 2023

World Muscle Society
congress 2023:
an experience to
remember!
By Prof Anri Human
I had the wonderful privilege to attend and present my research
at the 28 th Annual Congress of the World Muscle Society
(WMS), which was hosted in Charleston, USA (3-7 October,
2023). This opportunity was made possible through a fellowship
sponsored by the WMS to support early career researchers
and, in particular, attendees from low- and middle-income
countries. The congress included a plethora of oral presentations
and posters related to neuromuscular disorders (NMD),
including the latest trends and research in the field. Approximately
1 000 delegates attended in person, while more than
200 joined us online. As a paediatric physiotherapy lecturer of
the University of Pretoria, I was particularly appreciative of
the networking opportunities at this congress, which makes it
possible for industry, clinicians and researchers to collaborate
across the globe. The presentations on recent research and
development in diagnostics, clinical presentation and management
strategies in NMD were of great value.
I was honoured to be included in the prize-giving committee
this year, as the first representative from Africa in the history
of this congress. This was an amazing learning curve for me! I
am looking forward to building on this experience and being
part of the committee in 2024 again. At the congress I met
two colleagues from South Africa as well as international experts,
industry and patient advocacy groups with the same
passion and drive for making the world a better place, taking
hands and being stronger together. I cannot wait to implement
the new skills learned and new approaches in clinical
practice, at the NMD clinic and in research, and to share them
with others through teaching and workshops. Friendships and
relationships were forged during this congress that will take
us to the next level, in particular for South Africa and those
living with NMD. Future research, support, collaborations and
clinical projects are in the pipeline … so watch this space!
Fortunately, my new (and old) friends and I also had a chance
to explore the beautiful city of Charleston and experience traditional
South Carolina cuisine. An unforgettable experience
indeed!
We are excited about meeting again for the 29 th WMS congress
in Prague next year and building on what was started
Thank you Blue Bottle
Liquors
A huge thank you to Blue Bottle Liquors for
their continued support and the amazing
donation of R35 000 that was received. We
cannot thank you all enough for this!